Welcome to the memorial page for
Duane D. "Palsy" Rakestraw
January 2, 1935 ~ April 30, 2016 (age 81) 81 Years Old Light a Candle
Leave a Condolence
Message from A. Baccega President Retired State Police Association
July 27, 2016 2:00 PM
We at the RSPA are so sorry to hear of the loss of of one of our own. We only recently discovered this information. Again, so sorry and if you require any assistance from us let us know! Armida
Message from Kathleen and John Hickey
May 14, 2016 9:12 AM
Dear Duane,, Linda, and Family,
Our sincerest condolences on the death of your father/grandfather. With a nickname like "Palsy," he must have been a wonderful man.
Kathleen and John Hickey
Our sincerest condolences on the death of your father/grandfather. With a nickname like "Palsy," he must have been a wonderful man.
Kathleen and John Hickey
Message from Tim & Crystal Ryerson
May 4, 2016 2:01 PM
We were very sorry to hear about the loss of Palsy. You and your family are in our prayers. May you take comfort in the wonderful memories of a life well lived and in God's promises.
Crystal & Tim Ryerson
Crystal & Tim Ryerson
Message from Joel Francque
May 4, 2016 12:46 PM
Wanted to extend my sympathies on your loss, unfortunately just heard of Palsy's passing today. I have so many fond memories from working with Palsy and Dave for 20 years in seed corn, I learned a lot from him and had fun while doing it. He will be greatly missed.
Message from Eran Salzmann
May 4, 2016 12:10 PM
Sorry for the loss of Pals and pray for comfort for the family and friends at this time ! May Palsy be blessed and rest in peace and enjoy the afterlife of heaven .
Message from Keith and Judy Brody
May 4, 2016 11:40 AM
I am very sorry for your loss. Palsey was a joy to work with in the ISP and when I worked on his farm. He is the one that got me started playing golf and I ended up loving the game. He will be missed by many. Loved him. He and the family are in our prayers. God Bless.
Message from Harold & Carolyn Long
May 4, 2016 8:54 AM
We are so sorry for your loss. Palsy will be missed by all those he touched. We hope you find comfort in the special memories you have and in the family & friends that surround you. Our prayers & deepest sympathy.
A candle was lit by Ron and Gail Andrews
on May 3, 2016 7:11 PM
A DISH GARDEN WITH FRESH FLOWERS was sent on May 3, 2016
We were saddened to hear of Palsy passing away. We consider ourselves lucky to have known him and his family. Our prayers are with Shirley and the entire family. The Seyller Families (Steve & Mark)
A candle was lit by john and diane lawrence
on May 3, 2016 12:19 PM
An INDOOR GARDEN BASKET was sent on May 3, 2016
Our prayers are with you and your family at this time. Your friends at ILP
Message from marlene butler
May 3, 2016 10:53 AM
I am sorry to Her about Palsy . Please know that I share your loss and send prayers to all in his family. in sympathy. I know he will be missed by you all
Message from Alisa Baechler
May 3, 2016 10:38 AM
Darrell and family I am sorry for your loss. I am praying for strength and comfort with this difficult time.
A candle was lit by Alisa Baehler
on May 3, 2016 10:37 AM
A candle was lit by Junior and Sharon Meier. So sorry for your loss.
on May 3, 2016 9:48 AM
Message from lorraine wancket
May 3, 2016 9:16 AM
My Condolences to all of the family. He was a special one of a kind person with a heart of gold.54
A candle was lit by Gary and Sandy Sturtewagen
on May 3, 2016 8:54 AM
Message from Chad and Tara Gripp
May 3, 2016 7:26 AM
Our deepest sympathies to the Rakestraw family. We will keep you all in our prayers. 🙏🏻
A candle was lit by Tom Dura
on May 3, 2016 4:32 AM
Message from Jeri Mulderink
May 3, 2016 12:19 AM
Deb, I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest and sincerest sympathies to you and your family.
A candle was lit by Jeri Mulderink
on May 3, 2016 12:15 AM
Message from Michelle (Toppert) Milham
May 2, 2016 9:24 PM
Im am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. All my love.
A candle was lit by Michelle (Toppert) Milham
on May 2, 2016 9:22 PM
A candle was lit by Coreen Heller
on May 2, 2016 9:08 PM
Message from C.G. Fifield (Retired State Trooper) and wife Bonnnie
May 2, 2016 6:25 PM
So sorry to hear of Palsy's passing. Our prayers are with you.3
Message from Duane and Geraldine Vermeire
May 2, 2016 3:25 PM
I'm so sorry to learn of Palsy's passing. He will be missed throughout the Annawan & Mineral community. He was a great father and husband along with a friend of many people in the area. I offer my deepest sympathy to all of you. Shirley, Deb, Duane, Denise, Dave, Darrell, and families, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Message from Joe Buresh
May 2, 2016 2:35 PM
Sorry to hear of the loss of Palsy. Palsy was a great man who loved his family and the Annawan CUSD 226. He was always generous to the school and the District is very grateful for his support and contributions over the years. He will be greatly missed by all.
Message from John Riley
May 2, 2016 1:49 PM
Shirley, Deb, Duane, Denise, Dave and Darrell and family's, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Palsy. Growing up he was someone that I idolized and hoped that I could be at least halt the man that he was. What a great role model. I know you all will miss him greatly. He lived a long and great life and raised a wonderful family. I always looked forward to you all coming to the store. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Message from Mike and Donna DeReu
May 2, 2016 12:54 PM
So sorry for your loss. Your Palsy will truly be truly missed in our small community. Some people make a big difference with their presence and he was definitely that sort of person. Again, he will be missed.
Message from Len and Deb Franks
May 2, 2016 12:47 PM
Shirley and family-Palsy will be long remembered for the special person that he was. Our thoughts are with you.
A SPATHIPHYLLUM was sent on May 2, 2016
For Debby and the Rakestraw family with love and sympathy from your many friends in Naperville: Jeanie, Jayne H, Jerry B, Chris H, Sarah, Denise, Laurie W, Kim R, Karen R, Joan P, Shelly, Gerry H, Debbie B, Carol W, Sue V, Lainey, Doris F, Holly O, Karen W, Kathy M, Cindy H, Eileen.
Message from Denver Douglas
May 2, 2016 12:30 PM
So sorry to hear of your loss. Duane and my Dad Robert I know were good friends for many years. I will always remember the good times spent on your farm and at the Shefield county fair.
Message from Mr & Mrs Dennis VanDeSampel
May 2, 2016 11:10 AM
So sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed visiting with Palsy whether it was at the Ford garage in Kewanee or across the fence in mud creek bottom. He will be missed
Message from Barb De Splinter
May 2, 2016 10:54 AM
I also have fond memories of waiting on the two of you at the Longhorn. Very good customers and good people. My prayers are with your family.
Message from Tim and DeeAnn Anderson
May 2, 2016 10:15 AM
No matter the circumstances, this is a hard time. Of course, DeeAnn and I send our condolences to the family, but, I gotta say, looking at Palsy's life history....man...he did pretty good. Respected officer, Retired in 1985...for 30 years, doing whatever he wanted (golf, family, more golf). That takes life planning and expertise that most of us don't have. That would be a life to strive for. Congratulations, Palsy, on a life well lived.
Message from John & Sandy Crosby
May 2, 2016 9:56 AM
Our deepest sympathy to Shirley and the entire family. Our prayers are with all of you.
Message from Connie (Riley) Lucas
May 2, 2016 8:54 AM
Palsy was a great guy, remember us all getting together coloring on your walls when we were little while parents played cards. He will be missed by many, my condolences to all of you, God Bless!!
A candle was lit by Connie (Riley) Lucas
on May 2, 2016 8:50 AM
Message from Marty & Cindy McNeil
May 2, 2016 7:49 AM
Shirley and the entire Rakestraw Family, We want to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to all of you. Please find comfort in knowing that friends near and far have you in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Marty & Cindy McNeil
A candle was lit by Marty and Cindy McNeil Family
on May 2, 2016 7:41 AM
A candle was lit by John & Laren Lefman
on May 2, 2016 7:07 AM
Message from Patricia Stone
May 2, 2016 12:52 AM
Condolences to your family for the loss of Palsey. Words seem inadequate when we loose a loved one but words and prayers are all we have to offer. My heart goes out to you. Palsey was a handsome, witty man and I always enjoyed talking with him. He will be forever missed.
A candle was lit by Patricia Stone
on May 2, 2016 12:42 AM
Message from Ashlie Hamilton (Daughter of Kamey Cathelyn)
May 1, 2016 9:34 PM
I'm so very sorry to hear about the passing of "Palsy." I have so many memories of him and Shirley coming into the Longhorn! He will always be remembered. Thoughts and Prayers to the family. May he rest in peace.
Message from Illinois State Police Colonel Tad A. Williams
May 1, 2016 9:28 PM
Our condolences to the family of retired Trooper Rakestraw. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Integrity, Service, and Pride.
A candle was lit by Fran & Carolyn Kopp
on May 1, 2016 9:02 PM
A candle was lit by Jeff & Debbie Toppert
on May 1, 2016 8:56 PM
Message from Sierens Marc Drongen Belgium
May 1, 2016 8:37 PM
Many desired strength to the family at the loss of your beloved father
A candle was lit by Sierens Marc from Belgium
on May 1, 2016 8:34 PM
Message from Geri Barnes
May 1, 2016 8:18 PM
My deepest sympathy to you and your family, Deb. You and your family are in my prayers.
Geri Barnes
Geri Barnes
A candle was lit by Geri Barnes
on May 1, 2016 8:17 PM
Message from Helen Claeys
May 1, 2016 8:04 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Rakestraw family in your loss of "Palsy." May he rest in peace.
Message from Sue Thompson
May 1, 2016 8:04 PM
I'm so sorry to learn of Palsy's passing. Palsy was always such a great support to Annawan & Mineral, and a friend of so many. He will be missed terribly, not just by family but, in the community. His smile, and laugh were something that could certainly light up a room! I offer my deepest sympathy to all of you. Shirley, Deb, Duane, Denise, Dave, Darrell, and families, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
A candle was lit by Helen Claeys
on May 1, 2016 8:02 PM
A candle was lit by Sue Thompson
on May 1, 2016 7:26 PM
Message from Maggie & Earl Simon
May 1, 2016 7:19 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. So many sweet memories of him and the whole family. He will be deeply missed by so many. Hugs to all!
A candle was lit by Dwaine and Laura Verbeck
on May 1, 2016 7:00 PM
A candle was lit by The Wagon Wheel, Mineral Illinois
on May 1, 2016 6:59 PM
A candle was lit by Beverly Frank
on May 1, 2016 6:47 PM
Message from Julie Croegaert Burenga
May 1, 2016 6:37 PM
My condolences and prayers to all your family.
Message from Midge Holsey Mariman
May 1, 2016 6:28 PM
I met Duane the first time in Sept. 1966 he wrote me a ticket after I has an accident. I met him again at the Deck Oil Station (where I worked) many many times after that. He was 1 of my favorite officers all those years. I am sorry to hear of his passing he was a really nice guy. And 1 of the many officers that I watched what they watched and learned a lot about how to be safe. I will always remember Duane he was a special man. May he RIP
A candle was lit by Midge Holsey Mariman
on May 1, 2016 6:22 PM
Message from Cyndi (Geiger) Hughes
May 1, 2016 6:16 PM
Dear Family, I was so shocked and sadden when Kenny called to tell me that Uncle Palsy had passed away. I am sorry I can't be there with y'all during this difficult time but please know that y'all are in my thoughts and prayers. I always loved Uncle Palsy, he always made me smile and made me feel special when I was around him. My love to y'all and deepest sympathy, Cyndi
A candle was lit by My sympathy to the family. Marilyn Thompson
on May 1, 2016 5:42 PM
A candle was lit by Patti Van Kerrebroeck Richoux
on May 1, 2016 5:31 PM
A candle was lit by Tom & Trilla DeMay
on May 1, 2016 5:21 PM
A candle was lit by Keith and Pam Medema
on May 1, 2016 5:19 PM
A candle was lit by Doug VanVooren
on May 1, 2016 4:54 PM
A candle was lit by Lauri Pritchard
on May 1, 2016 4:26 PM
Message from Jim & Connie Driessens
May 1, 2016 4:19 PM
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Our sympathy.
A candle was lit by Glenda Newswander
on May 1, 2016 4:03 PM
A candle was lit by Jim and Loretta Thompson
on May 1, 2016 3:42 PM
A candle was lit by Chris Vandersnick Gwodz
on May 1, 2016 3:41 PM
Message from Sherry Sherman
May 1, 2016 3:35 PM
I'm so sorry to hear the passing of Palsy. Sending loving prayers for the family.
A candle was lit by Denise Park
on May 1, 2016 3:27 PM
Message from Denise Park
May 1, 2016 3:26 PM
My sincere sympathy to you Shirley and your family. Will miss seeing him on Sunday nights.
Message from Kaye Scott
May 1, 2016 2:46 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with you Shirley and family.
Message from Mathew and Janelle Happach
May 1, 2016 2:22 PM
So sorry for your loss of Palsy. He will be greatly missed by many. We will pray for the Lord's comfort and peace during this difficult time.
A candle was lit by Marie C. Ufheil
on May 1, 2016 2:10 PM
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